6 months until Election Day
May 9, 2012
Retired general anticipated at SCIA banquet
May 9, 2012The Olympic games will be held this summer in London. We will again have a chance to admire the strength, speed, courage and agility of some of the finest athletes in the world. They will all be competing for that elusive first place medal.
Our society puts a lot of emphasis on physical strength. Bodybuilding is an important part of many people’s lives. While this is admirable, there are moral and spiritual strengths that are more important. Jesus had this strength and the gospels verified it by statements such as, “The people were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority.” (Mark 1:22)
When someone asked Jesus what was the most important commandment, he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” When he answered “with all your strength,” he was not talking about physical strength. Jesus was referring to that inner power and energy that can be developed.
Kent Nerburn in his book “Simple Truths” talks about this strength. “We each have a different kind of strength. Some of us are able to persevere against hopeless odds. Some are able to see light in a world of darkness. Some are able to give selflessly with no thought of return, while others are able to bring a sense of importance into the hearts of those around them.
“But no matter how we exhibit strength, its truest measure is the calm and certain conviction with which it causes us to act. It is the ability to discern the path with heart, and follow it even when at the moment we might wish to be doing something else.
“True strength is not about force, but about conviction. It lives at the center of belief where fear and uncertainty cannot gain a foothold. Its opposite is not cowardice and fear, but confusion, lack of clarity, and lack of sound intention.
“True strength does not require an adversary and does not see itself as noble or heroic. It simply does what it must without praise or need of recognition.
“A person who can quietly stay at home and care for an ailing parent is as strong as a person who can climb a mountain. A person who can stand up for a principle is as strong as a person who can fend off an army. They simply have quieter, less dramatic, kinds of strength.
“True strength does not magnify others’ weaknesses. It makes others stronger. If someone’s strength makes others feel weaker, it is merely domination, and that is no strength at all.
“Take care to find your own true strength. Nurture it. Develop it. Share it with those around you. Let it become a light for those who are living in darkness.
“Remember, strength based on force is a strength people fear. Strength based in love is a strength people crave.”
We develop our strength by standing up for our values. When we stand up for our values, we grow in the image of God. Sometimes we have to pay a price for our convictions. If we pay that price, we will receive additional strength even if people might make fun of us.
Author Stephen Covey said, “Personal leadership is not a singular experience. It is, rather, the ongoing process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with those most important things.” Love is the most important value of our lives.
Years ago Thomas Jefferson said it well, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
To all mothers who possess that strength and love: Happy Mother’s Day.
